Sourav Ganguly has found support in his hour of crisis, with Board of Control for Cricket in India president Ranbir Singh Mahendra saying the former skipper cannot be ruled out of India's scheme of things for the 2007 World Cup.

Mahendra said at the moment the selectors do not want to tamper with the winning combination but that does not mean the doors have been shut on the Bengal batsman.

"At present nobody wants to disturb the winning combination; otherwise, I don't think there's any problem for Sourav to return to the international team," Mahendra told a television channel.

Asked specifically if Ganguly has a chance to be a part of the team for the World Cup, he replied: "Who has ruled him out? Nobody has. This is the handy work of gossipmongers who believe in sensationalism."

"He is a great player, he has also been a great captain. We are proud of him and he will definitely make a comeback to the team.

"In my view, even the selectors have not taken any negative view on Sourav's likely comeback," the BCCI chief added.

Mahendra said Ganguly was dropped from the one-day side "due to the problem with his elbow".

"I don't think that anybody believes that Sourav does not deserve to be in the team. He was dropped due to pain in his hand...

"His performance in Zimbabwe and in Duleep Trophy has been good, I think he will definitely make a comeback."